re: 2017 UGA Recruiting Thread (commits, offers, visits, etc.)

quote:

---

Unlike most of next year’s elite prospects, however, LeCounte’s college destination will not be shrouded in mystery. The junior has already committed to play at Georgia. In fact, LeCounte was the first commit for freshly-appointed Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.

According to to Liberty County coach Kirk Warner, LeCounte has always held the Bulldogs close to his heart, but he also had a close relationship with Smart while the coach was still operating as the defensive coordinator at Alabama. So when Smart was announced as coach Mark Richt’s replacement, LeCounte didn’t need any more convincing.

“He always loved Georgia, but his relationship with Coach Smart really put it over the edge, just solidified his decision,” Warner said.


Even now, more than a year before he arrives on Georgia’s campus, LeCounte is working to improve the Bulldogs. Part of the reason he committed so early was to help convince other recruits to join UGA’s Class of 2017, he said. LeCounte recently broadcast a trip to Athens on Periscope during which he walked through the Bulldogs’ facilities in a red No. 4 UGA jersey. At one point, Smart leaned over his shoulder, pointed to the white No. 4 and said “Baby Champ,” a reference to UGA alumnus Champ Bailey, a longtime NFL cornerback who also wore the No. 4 uniform. LeCounte’s face lit up. “Baby Champ!” he agreed.

The junior currently plays receiver, safety and kick returner for Liberty County, and while he will probably see most of his college future in the secondary, there’s potential for him to play offense, defense and special teams at UGA.

“I’ve been saying this since I saw him as an eighth-grader, he has a football IQ that is off the charts,” Warner said. “He’s going to be a smart, heady, special player for Georgia.”

But there is still a handful of schools that are set out to sway LeCounte to rethink his decision.

“Honestly, I’ve pretty much made my mind up where I’ll be going,” he said. “I’m open to talking to other coaches and taking my official visits … I just make sure that they know I’m committed.”

LeCounte’s father, Richard LeCounte, Jr., said at the moment, there’s almost no way his son will flip his commitment.

“As of now, no, I don’t think they have a chance,” he said. “His mind and his heart are set on UGA.”

But before LeCounte can make it official, there’s still one more season of high school ball to play.

“He’s the ultimate competitor,” Warner said. “Even though he’s committed, he’s going to give 150 percent to Liberty County High School while he’s here. I can’t wait until August 26th.”


But what about when signing day rolls around next year? That’s going to be epic for LeCounte, too. UGA fans might not have to wait until next February on LeCounte because he plans to enroll early in college and start classes in January.

---

quote:

---

3-star OG Justin Shaffer (Cedar Grove High/Ellenwood, Ga. — Louisville commit

---

quote:

---

4-star OT D’antne Demery (Brunswick High/Brunswick, Ga.)
4-star OT Andrew Thomas (Pace Academy/Atlanta, Ga.)
4-star CB William Poole (Hapeville Charter/Atlanta, Ga.)

---